Gaffer on Boot and the return of Forrester

Friday night proved to be a very positive one for Vale as they confirmed their place in the Emirates FA Cup Second Round draw which takes place on Monday, beating Sky Bet League One side, Oxford United.

Ryan Boot also came in to make his second appearance of the season, his first coming back in August as the Valiants beat Oldham Athletic on penalties in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The young goalkeeper looked comfortable between the posts and he has now kept clean sheets during both fixtures in which he has featured.

“I told Ryan on Monday that he’d be playing and I felt as if it would be a good opportunity for him to come in,” the Manager said.

“He did well. He’s a local lad and one that is desperate to play in the first team.

“Like all players, he needs games - the more he plays, the better he will get.”

Anton Forrester also made his return to action after an injury layoff, being introduced as a 78th-minute substitute.

He almost found the net late on and Aspin was just pleased to see the striker back out on the pitch playing football.

He said: “Anton has had a really bad time with injuries, he has been really frustrated, but he has worked hard over the last few weeks.

“He did well in the reserve game and I told him that he would be in contention for a place. If it wasn’t for the Oxford goalkeeper he would have scored too.

“We’re now keeping our fingers crossed that he can remain injury-free so he can show the potential that he has.”

Both players could feature again on Tuesday night as Vale host Crewe Alexandra in their final Checkatrade Trophy group stage game, knowing that three points will be enough to reach the knockout stages.

“In terms of importance you can’t class it up there with the FA Cup and we will have to make changes for that game,” Aspin said.

“But, any game is an opportunity for players to stake a claim and tonight’s performance is a marker for them.

“I expect the players to work as hard as they have done tonight, so anyone playing on Tuesday, that’s what I demand.”